Hyperhidrosis, a condition that affects an estimated 1-2 percent of the population, results in excessive and unpredictable sweating that can become quite embarrassing or even functionally disabling. While conservative and alternative therapies for hyperhidrosis do exist, including medications, Botox injections, miraDry, and iontophoresis, they often require repeat treatments or become less effective over time.

When conservative treatments fail to relieve your excessive sweating, hyperhidrosis surgery can offer a more effective, one-time solution. Thoracic sympathectomy is a safe and well-established minimally invasive procedure for the permanent treatment of hyperhidrosis.

The West Coast Associates for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery is directed by renowned thoracic surgeons Ali Mahtabifard, MD and Clark Fuller, MD, who have combined over 25 years of experience treating patients for excessive sweating and are highly skilled in performing minimally invasive hyperhidrosis surgery. If you experience excessive sweating and would like to speak with a Los Angeles thoracic surgeon about this life-changing treatment, contact us today at 310.854.0909.

One of Dr. Mahtabifard’s Happy Patients Describes His Experience

Who is a Candidate for Hyperhidrosis Surgery?

Hyperhidrosis surgery is an excellent option for individuals who suffer from excessive sweating that has negatively affected them physically, socially, or emotionally. While this procedure is most effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands or hands/feet combination, our surgeons will assess each patient’s hyperhidrosis symptoms to determine their candidacy for surgery. Patients who are obese or who have severe medical conditions, including cardio-respiratory illness, pleural disease, and untreated thyroid disease, may not be eligible for this procedure.

Undergoing Thoracic Sympathectomy

Thoracic sympathectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in the comfort of a state-of-the-art outpatient surgical facility. Under general anesthesia, our surgeons begin by making two small incisions (5 mm) on the side of the chest. Next, the chest cavity is slightly insufflated with CO2 gas and a fiber-optic camera is inserted, providing live video feed to monitors within the operating room. Using these monitors, our surgeons meticulously dissect out and cut the segment of sympathetic nerves that is responsible for excessive sweating. Finally, the CO2 and instruments are removed from the chest and the two small incisions are closed with sutures.

Recovery from Thoracic Sympathectomy

As an outpatient procedure, most patients can return home within several hours of the surgery with an immediate and significant reduction in sweating. The minimally invasive approach used by our surgeons ensures greatly reduced post-operative pain, minimal scarring, and a fast post-operative recovery. Regular physical activity and work can be resumed in as soon as a few days after surgery.

As with any surgical procedure, thoracic sympathectomy carries a small risk of complications, including bleeding, infection, or residual air in the chest. After hyperhidrosis surgery, some patients may experience compensatory sweating around the abdomen, legs, or back, though not nearly as extreme or visible as their previous symptoms. We feel that in order to ensure the best results and lowest risk of complications, hyperhidrosis surgery should only be performed by an experienced thoracic surgeon.

Contact a Los Angeles Hyperhidrosis Specialist

At the West Coast Associates for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery, our top priority is to provide high quality, patient-centered care for hyperhidrosis and other thoracic conditions. Our renowned thoracic surgeons, Ali Mahtabifard, MD and Clark Fuller, MD, recognize that the decision to undergo surgery can be a difficult one, and offer a broad range of hyperhidrosis therapies to ensure our patients receive the most effective treatment available.

To learn more about minimally invasive hyperhidrosis surgery or our comprehensive treatment approach, contact a Los Angeles thoracic surgeon at 310.854.0909 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your initial consultation.